RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lancers varsity soccer team took to the practice field in early November to begin preparations for their upcoming season, the 20th under head coach Eric McCahon. 

McCahon has coached the Lancers to playoff appearances in each of the past three seasons and will need to continue to lead his team as they will be facing a handful of new challenges. The Lancers will be a much younger team than in years past but will take to the field with some very talented underclassmen. Additionally, Cordova has moved into the newest iteration of the Metro League, and adjusting to new competition will be no easy task. Even so, McCahon is maintaining high expectations. 

"It has to be playoffs," he said regarding the mindset that he and his staff have for this season. "This group has the expectations to compete for a league championship over the next couple years, and definitely make a run in the playoffs."

The Lancers figure to be led by a pair of sophomores in central midfielder Misael Ceja-Rosas and midfielder/forward Shazad Hazem. McCahon spoke glowingly about the two youngsters, who started for the Lancers on varsity as freshmen a season ago. Additionally, sophomore forward Angel Alvarez will be relied upon to contribute in a big way. 

McCahon knows that his team will have their work cut out for them once they enter Metro League competition in early January, especially against the likes of McClatchy, who won the Metro League title a season ago with an impressive 11-1 record. 

"Personally, I'm excited," McCahon said. "I'm excited for the challenge. McClatchy is a very strong program. West Park, in all their sports, is up and coming. I like it, and I'm excited for the challenge. but I'm also very realistic and know that it's going to be tough."

The Lancers open their season at home on Tuesday, December 3 when they host Valley High, with kick-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. inside Lancer Stadium.